Closed markets and more
The international context and African Swine Fever (ASF) are impacting the Italian and European pig farming sector at its core, eroding farm profitability. Confagricoltura sheds light on the sector, more than four years after the nationwide outbreak of ASF, which continues to undermine non-EU exports of pork products, causing health restrictions and increased customs tariffs. Many important markets for Italy are currently closed due to the disease, including Japan, Thailand, and China, with which Confagricoltura is calling for intensified diplomatic efforts to reach bilateral agreements that incorporate the principle of regionalization, already tested in other EU countries.
Production costs
The pig sector is also facing the effects of the Middle East conflict, particularly rising production costs, especially those related to feed, energy, fuel, and services. The content of the Industrial Emissions Directive, as amended, is of concern and will create significant challenges, especially for less structured and smaller farms. Currently, there are approximately 25 pig farms in Italy, 5.200 fewer than in 2021, a 17% decline (source: ISMEA, 2026). Confagricoltura, the Italian Agricultural Confederation (Confagricoltura), therefore, needs to ensure the financial continuity of active farms by supporting ongoing investments and management costs.
Sales prices
On the ASF front, the Confederation welcomes the decision by the National Agricultural Research Council (MASAF) to request the European Commission to draw on the EU Crisis Fund to provide compensation to farms indirectly affected by health restrictions resulting in significantly reduced sales prices. Palazzo della Valle also hopes for improved management of the wild boar population, the main vector of African Swine Fever, responsible for €171 million in damage to the primary sector between 2015 and 2023. This management must include containment plans and enhanced biosecurity in pig farms, which should also be funded through Rural Development plans (source: Confagricoltura).
You May Also Like ..
